NITI Aayog replaced planning commission as the think tank of India. Mandate of NITI Aayog

Mandate of NITI Aayog:

i) Competitive federalism

ii) Cooperative federalism.

iii) SDG achievement

Role of NITI Aayog in promoting cooperative federalism: [Competitive]

i) It regularly publishes reports with rankings of states.

(b) SDG Index

ii) It ensures fiscal prudence among the states.

(b) Fiscal Health Index called out Kerala for fund mismanagement.

iii) Its inputs are used by union in deciding state sponsored schemes, and central sector schemes

and central sector schemes

Role of NITI Aayog in cooperative federalism:

i) Cooperation by sharing best practices

(b) India @75 report

ii) Cooperative schemes: (b) Aspirational District and Aspirational Block (EADP)

iii) Model agricultural practices having suggestions given to states

(b) GROW Report.

iv) Innovation is central to cooperative agenda

(b) Cooperatives in Attal Innovation Labs but also plagued by challenge

v) Only a recommendatory body without executive power

vi) Does not have separate budget

ii) Overlooked and understaffed.

(b) Amartya kant letter made clear also

iv) Central imposition on states: challenges federalism.

v) Lack of major success except ADP.

Solutions:

i) Allow NITI Aayog to penalize defaulters and any unwary action against federalism.

ii) Separate budget & secretariat.

iii) New synthesis needed – NITI Aayog pursued quantitative

Advisory, Economic Advisor, Industry advisor

Hence, NITI Aayog must not stay a 'ticker' of innovation and collaboration, but must be the 'brain' of the nation